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Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 Head

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$849.99 to $999.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (30)

1 Critic Review

4 Reviews

Find out who is using Aguilar Tone Hammer 500

2 community setups

17 wishlisted

59 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (14)

$849.99

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4.5 (50)

$879.00 Used

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5.0 (32)

$899.99 9 available New

$699.00 6 available Used

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5.0 (20)

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4.8 (90)

$999.00

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Average Price: $865

High-end/Boutique

$200

$801+

Price Tier

In the Bass Amplifier Heads category, Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 Head is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Meet the Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 Head, a powerful yet compact bass amp designed for the discerning bassist. This gem brings Aguilar's iconic tone into a lightweight and highly portable package. Modelled after the popular Tone Hammer pedal, the Tone Hammer 500 is the perfect blend of robust power, dynamic EQ, and a hint of colourful overdrive.

The Tone Hammer 500's three-band EQ allows you to sculpt your sound with precision. Adjust the bass, midrange, and treble controls to create the perfect tone to complement your bass and style of play. The midrange knob gives you the power to select the center frequency, allowing you to boost or cut the midrange band that best suits your sound.

Adding to its versatility, this amp head features Aguilar's unique Adaptive Gain Shaping circuitry. Trigger the drive control for an extra boost of distortion or EQ adjustment, subtly distorting your tone and tweaking the EQ curve to add an extra punch.

Despite its compact size, the Tone Hammer 500 doesn't compromise on power. With a Class D power amplifier at its heart, it delivers a potent 500W at 4 ohms and 250W at 8 ohms - enough power for both live performances and studio sessions. It's roadworthy, easy to transport, and sets up in seconds, making it a go-to choice for bassists on the move.

Key Features:

Power: 500W at 4 Ohms, 250W at 8 Ohms
Controls for Gain, Drive, Mid Frequencies, Mid Level, Bass, Treble, Master Volume
Adaptive Gain Shaping circuitry for added distortion and EQ adjustment
Connections: Balanced Out, Effect Loop, Tuner Out, and 2x Speaker Twist speaker outputs
Compact and lightweight for easy transport and setup

Product specs

Brand	Aguilar
Model	Tone Hammer 500 Limited Edition 500-Watt Bass Amp Head, Tone Hammer 500 Super Light 500-Watt Bass Amp Head
Finish	Aluminum, Black / Pink
Year	2011 - 2022
Made In	United States
Categories	Bass Heads
Color Family	Black, Pink
Electronics	Solid State
Number of Channels	1 Channel
Number of Inputs	1 Input
Output Power (Watts)	500
Power Tube Type	None
Reverb	None

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Aguilar Tone Hammer 500?: The Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 provides a classic amp sound with a flexible 3-band EQ and a Drive control, delivering warm, punchy tones suitable for various music genres.
Is the Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 suitable for live performances?: Yes, with 500 watts of power, the Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 is suitable for live performances, offering ample volume and headroom for gigging with a band.
How portable is the Aguilar Tone Hammer 500?: Weighing only 4 pounds, the Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 is extremely portable, making it easy to transport to rehearsals and gigs.
Does the Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 work well with pedals?: Yes, the Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 is designed to work well with pedals, allowing you to shape your tone further with effects.
What type of power supply does the Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 require?: The Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 operates on a standard AC power supply, ensuring compatibility with most venues and practice spaces.

Videos

Add video

The Bass Channel

Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 Demo

The Bass Channel

All About The Bass - Aguilar Tone Hammer Range

Andertons Music Co

The Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 Bass Amp | Lane Music

Lane Music

Aguilar DB751 vs TH500 Ultimate In-Depth Comparison and Review

Tyler Spicer

Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 - What Does it Sound Like?

Deadbeat Studios

Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 Bass Head Review

N Stuff Music

Dial It In - Overdriven Tones w/ The Tone Hammer 500

Aguilar Amplification

Reviews

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PROS

Warm, open sound appeals to many tastes
Simple, user-friendly tone controls for versatility
Lightweight yet solidly constructed
Works well with a variety of speaker types
Powerful 3-band EQ with sweepable mids for precise tonal shaping
Drive control adds satisfying grit and distortion
Compact and portable, fits in small spaces for easy transport
Made in the USA, ensuring quality
Can double as a DI and preamp for recording purposes
Responsive customer service for issues

CONS

Fan noise can be loud in quiet environments
No separate volume control for the direct out
Drive control may be complex for some users
No headphone out for silent practice
EQ pots lack center detents for neutral settings
Tuner mute not footswitchable, limiting live performance flexibility
Additional accessories like a carrying bag must be purchased separately

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 Head.

Use cases and applications

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The TH500 paired with a DB210 cab handles loud drummers and guitarists well, indicating its capability for high-volume setups.
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The TH500 is effective in pop/punk bands, handling tours in ~1800 capacity rooms with a 1x12 cab, indicating its power and versatility.
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It's noted for its suitability as an upright bass rig, replacing a GK Microbass amp for one user.
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Value and pricing

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A used TH500 head in good condition is considered a great deal if found for around $500-$600 USD.
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While the TH500 is seen as a premium option, its reliability and performance may justify the cost for those seeking a significant upgrade from failing equipment.
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Comparisons

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Some users prefer the Mark Bass 500 head over the TH500 due to personal tonal preferences, noting the price difference as a factor.
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Some users find the Tone Hammer limited to metal tones, while the Fender Rumble 500 is viewed as more versatile.
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While the Tone Hammer is favored for its natural sound, some find the Fender Rumble's EQ less focused, especially in the low frequencies.
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Some consider the TH500 suitable for advanced players, likening it to a 'Maserati' for bass, but it's also valued by intermediates upgrading from unreliable gear.
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User experience

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Owners have noted that the TH500 is sometimes difficult to find in stores due to backorders, making online purchases more common.
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Users appreciate the Tone Hammer 500's warm tone with light saturation, which provides a good baseline for adding distortion via pedals.
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The TH350 handled over 150 gigs without maintenance, suggesting the TH500's potential as a long-term investment if its sound suits you.
Source

Features and functionality

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The Tone Hammer 500 is praised for its ability to maintain the fundamental tone of the instrument, making it a great base for adding pedals.
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The built-in DI of the Tone Hammer 500 is used in tandem with a SansAmp DI for a fuller sound in live environments.
Source

Critic Reviews

Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 and SL 112 Bass Rig Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 Head impresses with its blend of vintage warmth and modern clarity, offering bassists a portable yet powerful option. With a rugged build and user-friendly controls, it's ideal for players seeking a warm, adaptable tone. The compact design and lightweight SL 112 cabinet enhance portability, making it a gig-friendly choice. While it handles a variety of musical settings, it may struggle against more powerful setups, and those craving a hi-fi or tube-driven sound might look elsewhere. Overall, it's a stellar choice for those valuing portability and Aguilar's signature sound.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 30 Ratings

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jakub_janku

about 9 years ago

Pro bass amplifier with warm tone

What I like about this head is just one simple thing. It plays super great even if you just unpack it and plug your buss into it withou moving single knob expect volume one. On double bass I just add little more basses and that's all perfect sound. On standart bass I can just play every knob in middle and still have best sound.

fitobass

114

about 8 years ago

Punchy and Light

State of the Art, Great Power, Drive Control, Can be used as a DI and Pre for recording without a speaker.

Roles:

Bassist Music Producer

Genres:

Rock Pop Funk / Soul

anthonyjoyner

almost 9 years ago

Aguilar is simply the best!

I've been playing Aguilar Amps since it's Debut. It is simply the best bass gear on the market, with bassists working and running the company. I will only use Aguilar; and if it's not on the gig or I can't bring mine, I'll just go direct!!